Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming learns about the Emperor of Longevity's false tombs, the methods of immortality within, and the Everlife Sect's involvement from Jade Begonia.
• He agrees to inform Jade Begonia before he breaks through to the Fourth Rank.
• Chen Ming returns to the Feng residence and meets disciples of the Xiao River Sect, including Huo Qianqian.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming: He remains calm and collected upon learning about the false tombs and the Everlife Sect, showing maturity and wisdom.
• Jade Begonia: She reveals her true intentions and the extent of her power, displaying her ruthlessness and ambition.
• Huo Qianqian: She appears conflicted and distracted, likely due to her feelings for Chen Ming and his current status.

Significant Themes

• Ambition and Power: Jade Begonia's desire to stir up the waters and her ruthless methods highlight the theme of ambition and the pursuit of power.
• The Price of Success: Chen Ming's rapid rise in the Azure Cloud Rankings has drawn attention and admiration, but also jealousy and competition, illustrating the price one pays for success.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming and Jade Begonia: Their conversation reveals their respective ambitions and the power dynamics between them.
• Chen Ming and the Xiao River Sect disciples: Chen Ming's warm greeting contrasts with the disciples' mixed feelings, particularly Huo Qianqian's conflicted emotions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming reunites with Huo Qianqian and Xiao Zhuyun after years.
• Huo Qianqian warns Chen Ming about Deng Ziyang's transformation and actions.
• Su Zhinning appears in Chen Ming's courtyard, initially displaying killing intent but later disappearing.
• Chen Ming visits Doctor Sun for guidance and learns about Telepathic Jade's potential consequences.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming: Strives to comprehend the Sword Intent, seeks Doctor Sun's guidance, and shows concern for Huo Qianqian's warning.
• Huo Qianqian: Demonstrates loyalty and concern for Chen Ming, revealing Deng Ziyang's actions.
• Su Zhinning: Exhibits unstable emotions and killing intent, then disappears without explanation.
• Doctor Sun: Provides valuable insights into cultivation and Telepathic Jade, showing wisdom and experience.

Significant Themes

• The consequences of using external forces to break Heart Demons.
• The importance of cultivating one's own abilities and understanding one's emotions.
• The potential dangers of Telepathic Jade and its shared-dream power.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming and Huo Qianqian: They reunite, and Huo Qianqian warns Chen Ming about Deng Ziyang.
• Chen Ming and Su Zhinning: Su Zhinning appears and displays killing intent towards Chen Ming, then disappears.
• Chen Ming and Doctor Sun: Chen Ming seeks Doctor Sun's guidance, and they discuss Telepathic Jade's potential consequences.
• Xiao Zhuyun and Junior Sister Sun: Xiao Zhuyun disciplines Junior Sister Sun for her inappropriate behavior.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming becomes Su Zhinning's new inner demon, causing her to harbor a desire to kill him.
• Chen Ming meets Jade Begonia, who agrees to exchange the Profound Wood True Art for the Profound Fire and Water True Arts.
• Chen Ming merges the Profound Wood True Art with his existing cultivation methods, significantly enhancing his true Qi and unlocking the power of the Mingfeng Sword.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming's cultivation improves significantly after merging the Profound Wood True Art, allowing him to unleash the power of his divine weapon and giving him a chance against Fourth Rank martial artists.
• Su Zhinning's mental state worsens, leading her to desire killing Chen Ming, who is now her inner demon.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation methods and the importance of merging them to improve one's abilities.
• The dangers of inner demons and the mental strain they cause.
• The theme of secrets and hidden knowledge, with Jade Begonia knowing many secrets, including the whereabouts of the remaining two cultivation methods.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming interacts with Jade Begonia, successfully negotiating an exchange for the Profound Wood True Art.
• Chen Ming's relationship with Su Zhinning becomes more strained, with her now desiring to kill him.
• Princess Hongyu spies on Chen Ming, witnessing his cultivation breakthrough.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming's Mingfeng Sword vibrates due to the Sword Jade's Sword Intent, causing him to recall past loves and experience a surge of emotions.
• The Sword Intent merges with the Mingfeng Sword, enhancing its power and allowing Chen Ming to potentially defeat Fourth Rank martial artists.
• Chen Ming learns that Qin Changyuan has been causing trouble due to his infatuation with Peony, and that he plans to deal with Chen Ming.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming: Realizes the power of the Mingfeng Sword after merging with the Sword Intent, and decides to leave the Feng Family due to Qin Changyuan's threats.
• Peony: Her actions have unintentionally caused trouble for Chen Ming, potentially putting him in danger.

Significant Themes

• The power of emotions and their influence on martial arts cultivation.
• The consequences of one's actions and the unintended harm caused to others.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming interacts with his maids, Qiuxiang and Dongxiang, learning about Qin Changyuan's actions and deciding to leave the Feng Family.
• Chen Ming's interaction with the Mingfeng Sword highlights the power of the Sword Intent and its influence on his emotions.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Feng Siyuan receives a red letter from his father, advising him not to interfere in the feud between Qin Changyuan and Chen Ming.
• Chen Ming decides to leave the Feng family residence, refusing Feng Siyuan's help.
• Han Xiangcheng, a disciple of the Tianji Sect, learns of Chen Ming's move and decides to challenge him.

Character Developments

• Feng Siyuan: Stands by his friendship with Chen Ming, refusing to betray him despite his father's orders.
• Chen Ming: Shows independence and self-reliance, unwilling to burden Feng Siyuan with his troubles.
• Han Xiangcheng: Seeks to challenge Chen Ming to improve the Tianji Sect's reputation, driven by ambition and resentment towards the Ji family.

Significant Themes

• Friendship and loyalty: Feng Siyuan's unwavering support for Chen Ming despite potential consequences.
• Ambition and rivalry: Han Xiangcheng's desire to challenge Chen Ming to enhance his sect's reputation and his own status.
• Independence and self-reliance: Chen Ming's decision to leave the Feng family residence, choosing to face his problems alone.

Character Interactions

• Feng Siyuan and Chen Ming: Feng Siyuan tries to convince Chen Ming to stay, but Chen Ming insists on leaving to avoid implicating Feng Siyuan.
• Han Xiangcheng and his companions: Han Xiangcheng is encouraged by his companions to challenge Chen Ming, leading him to seek out Chen Ming's new residence.
• Chen Ming and Old Sun: Chen Ming seeks medical knowledge from Old Sun, hoping to gain his favor and potentially save his life in the future.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jade Begonia discusses Chen Ming's move-out from the Feng residence with her maid, Mei'er, and bets on the reason behind it.
• Qin Changyuan, in the Heavenly Fragrance Pavilion, learns about Han Xiangcheng's challenge to Chen Ming and expresses his desire to eliminate the Tianji Sect.
• Han Xiangcheng challenges Chen Ming, but is defeated in a single move, leading to Lai Xiangran's decision to avenge his junior brother.

Character Developments

• Jade Begonia shows interest in Chen Ming's actions and uses Qin Changyuan to test Chen Ming's backing.
• Qin Changyuan reveals his ambition to eliminate the Tianji Sect.
• Han Xiangcheng's defeat leads to Lai Xiangran's determination to avenge him.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and ambition (Qin Changyuan, Jade Begonia)
• Rivalry and vengeance (Lai Xiangran, Han Xiangcheng)
• Betrayal and testing (Jade Begonia's bet on Chen Ming)

Character Interactions

• Jade Begonia and Mei'er discuss Chen Ming's move and Jade Begonia's bet.
• Qin Changyuan interacts with his friends, expressing his desire to eliminate the Tianji Sect.
• Han Xiangcheng challenges Chen Ming, leading to his defeat and Lai Xiangran's decision to avenge him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming, a fifth-rank cultivator, faces off against Lai Xiangran, a fourth-rank cultivator from the Tianji Sect, who seeks to claim Chen Ming's divine weapon.
• The fight between them lasts over twenty moves, with Chen Ming's true Qi depleting.
• Chen Ming uses Sword Intent in his final strike, severing Lai Xiangran's arm and causing him to flee.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming: Demonstrates exceptional swordsmanship and true Qi strength for his rank, ultimately using Sword Intent to defeat Lai Xiangran.
• Lai Xiangran: Reveals his ruthless and greedy nature, underestimating Chen Ming's abilities.

Significant Themes

• The power of cultivation and the disparity between ranks.
• The value of exceptional skill and technique, as seen in Chen Ming's swordsmanship.
• Greed and underestimation of opponents leading to defeat.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming vs. Lai Xiangran: A tense and evenly matched fight, with Lai Xiangran underestimating Chen Ming's abilities and paying the price.
• Princess Hongyu (off-screen): Observes the fight, shocked by Chen Ming's abilities and considering his potential.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming defeats Lai Xiangran, a Fourth Rank martial artist, using the Mingfeng Sword and his improved cultivation.
• Princess Hongyu appears and scolds Chen Ming for being soft-hearted, advising him to improve his movement technique.
• Chen Ming invites Jade Begonia to his house, showing her Lai Xiangran's severed hand and black knife, seeking her guidance on how to handle the situation with the Tianji Sect.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming: Shows growth in his cultivation and combat skills, defeating an opponent higher in rank. He also demonstrates strategic thinking by keeping Lai Xiangran alive for potential experience points.
• Lai Xiangran: Loses his right hand and goes into seclusion to recover, advising his junior brother not to provoke Chen Ming.
• Jade Begonia: Reveals she's been trying to cultivate another technique simultaneously, causing damage to her meridians. She visits Chen Ming to assess the situation with the Tianji Sect.

Significant Themes

• The importance of cultivation and skill improvement, as highlighted by Princess Hongyu's advice to Chen Ming.
• The consequences of underestimating opponents, shown through Lai Xiangran's defeat.
• The strategic use of enemies, demonstrated by Chen Ming's decision to keep Lai Xiangran alive.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming and Princess Hongyu: She scolds him for being soft-hearted and advises him to improve his movement technique.
• Chen Ming and Jade Begonia: He seeks her guidance on how to handle the Tianji Sect, showing her Lai Xiangran's severed hand and knife.
• Lai Xiangran and Han Xiangcheng: Lai Xiangran advises his junior brother not to provoke Chen Ming after losing his hand.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming demonstrates his ability to use Sword Qi, surprising Jade Begonia and Ji Qianxing.
• Jade Begonia agrees to help Chen Ming find Fourth Rank martial artists to spar with and promises to deal with Sect Leader Liao's revenge.
• Jade Begonia seeks Chen Ming's help to understand merging the Profound Wood and Fire True Arts.
• Jade Begonia leaves after half a month of learning from Chen Ming, promising to send Fourth Rank martial artists the next day.
• Qin Changyuan confronts Jade Begonia about her relationship with Chen Ming, revealing his jealousy and intention to kill Chen Ming.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming: Proves his strength and gains Jade Begonia's respect. He is patient and willing to help her understand the merging of true arts.
• Jade Begonia: Realizes Chen Ming's exceptional talent and seeks his help. She shows a more open and respectful attitude towards him.
• Qin Changyuan: Becomes jealous and enraged upon discovering Jade Begonia's relationship with Chen Ming. His obsession with Jade Begonia leads him to consider killing Chen Ming.

Significant Themes

• Talent and skill: Chen Ming's exceptional talent is highlighted, contrasting with Jade Begonia's initial underestimation of him.
• Relationship dynamics: Jade Begonia's attitude towards Chen Ming shifts from disdain to respect, while Qin Changyuan's jealousy leads him to consider harming Chen Ming.
• Help and gratitude: Chen Ming helps Jade Begonia out of gratitude for the divine weapon and her promises, while Jade Begonia seeks his help due to his unique understanding of the true arts.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming and Jade Begonia: They interact as equals, with Jade Begonia seeking Chen Ming's help and Chen Ming teaching her without reservation.
• Jade Begonia and Qin Changyuan: Qin Changyuan's jealousy leads to a confrontation with Jade Begonia, revealing his obsession and intention to harm Chen Ming.
• Ji Qianxing and Jade Begonia: Ji Qianxing remains loyal to Jade Begonia, following her orders and expressing concern for Chen Ming's safety.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Changyuan, enraged by Chen Ming's actions, initially wants to confront him but is deterred by the possibility of facing a powerful protector.
• Chen Ming learns about Qin Changyuan's background and the potential threats he might face.
• Su Zhinning reappears, revealing her true face to Chen Ming after he expresses a desire to see it during their first sparring session.

Character Developments

• Qin Changyuan shows initial recklessness but ultimately considers the consequences of his actions, demonstrating a level of self-control.
• Chen Ming shows concern for the well-being of Qiuxiang and Dongxiang, indicating a growing sense of responsibility.
• Su Zhinning displays a newfound willingness to fulfill her promise to Chen Ming, suggesting that she has overcome her inner demon's influence.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics and potential threats within the martial world.
• The consequences of beauty and infatuation in the martial world.
• The importance of self-control and consideration of consequences in decision-making.

Character Interactions

• Qin Changyuan and his driver discuss the potential risks of confronting Chen Ming, showcasing a power dynamic between them.
• Chen Ming interacts with Qiuxiang and Dongxiang, demonstrating his growing concern for their well-being.
• Chen Ming and Su Zhinning have a conversation about her true face, revealing her willingness to fulfill her promise and hinting at her inner demon's influence.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming hires Ji Qianxing, an old acquaintance and Azure Cloud Rankings seventh, as his bodyguard.
• Chen Ming visits Jade Begonia's residence, where he's challenged by three Fourth Rank experts.
• Chen Ming defeats each opponent using his improved swordsmanship, footwork, and strategic use of weapons.
• He gains experience points and improves his cultivation methods after each victory.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming demonstrates his ability to defeat stronger opponents, growing in confidence and skill.
• Ji Qianxing reassesses Chen Ming's abilities, acknowledging his monstrous talent and growth.
• The three opponents (a middle-aged man, a woman, and an old man) showcase their unique skills and strategies but ultimately lose to Chen Ming.

Significant Themes

• Overcoming adversity through skill and strategy.
• The importance of continuous improvement and adaptation in combat.
• The contrast between cultivation rank and actual combat prowess.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming and Ji Qianxing: Ji Qianxing serves as Chen Ming's bodyguard and witness to his battles, reassessing his own skills in comparison.
• Chen Ming and the three opponents: Each opponent underestimates Chen Ming due to his cultivation rank, leading to their eventual defeat.
• Chen Ming and Jade Begonia: Implicitly, Jade Begonia arranges these challenges to test Chen Ming's abilities, potentially for her own purposes.

Key Plot Points

• Chen Ming continues his daily challenges against Rank Four masters arranged by Jade Begonia, earning substantial experience points.
• He faces a total of nine opponents, defeating them all, including a particularly formidable one who was injured.
• Chen Ming's goal is to accumulate enough experience points to skip the Fourth Rank and directly break through to the Third Rank.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming's strength and confidence grow with each victory, and he becomes more determined to reach the Third Rank.
• Jade Begonia, though not directly present, is shown to be arranging these matches to test or train Chen Ming.
• Qin Changyuan's patience wears thin as he learns that Chen Ming is visiting the Yu family daily. He hires someone to deal with Chen Ming, setting the plan in motion in ten days.

Significant Themes

• The theme of perseverance and continuous improvement is evident in Chen Ming's daily challenges and his goal to reach the Third Rank.
• The power dynamics and politics within the Azure Moon Sect and the Heavenly Path Alliance are hinted at, with Qin Changyuan's actions showing his impatience and desire to maintain his status.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming interacts with various Rank Four masters, testing his skills and growing stronger.
• Jade Begonia and Chen Ming have no direct interaction in this chapter, but her actions show her interest in Chen Ming's progress.
• Qin Changyuan and his attendant discuss their plans to deal with Chen Ming, highlighting their relationship and Qin Changyuan's growing frustration.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Huo Qianqian, a disciple of the Xiao River Sect, refuses a marriage proposal from the Huang family, causing discontent among some sect members.
• Huo Qianqian overhears a conversation revealing that a Third Rank expert, the "Three Sage Staff," intends to kill Chen Ming, her senior brother and a prominent martial artist.
• Huo Qianqian visits Chen Ming to warn him, but a confrontation ensues when a Third Rank expert ambushes them. A disciple of the Heavenly Path Alliance intervenes, leading to a chase outside the city.

Character Developments

• Huo Qianqian: Shows determination in pursuing martial arts over marriage, demonstrating courage and concern for her senior brother's safety.
• Chen Ming: Displayed caution and quick thinking when faced with the Third Rank expert's attack, indicating his growth as a martial artist.
• The "Three Sage Staff": Revealed to be a formidable and ruthless Third Rank expert, willing to target Chen Ming on behalf of the Qin Family.

Significant Themes

• Marriage vs. Martial Arts Pursuit: Huo Qianqian's refusal of marriage proposals highlights the conflict between personal desires and societal expectations, particularly for women in the martial world.
• Power Dynamics: The Third Rank expert's involvement in Chen Ming's matter underscores the influence of power and status in the martial world, where even the strong can be targeted by the stronger.

Character Interactions

• Huo Qianqian and Aunt-Master Ye: Their conversation reveals the expectations placed on Huo Qianqian due to her beauty and the privileges she enjoys because of her senior brother's status.
• Huo Qianqian and Junior Sister Sun: Their eavesdropping encounter exposes the rumors about Chen Ming's impending danger and Junior Sister Sun's disdain for Huo Qianqian.
• Chen Ming and Huo Qianqian: Their brief interaction shows Chen Ming's concern for Huo Qianqian's safety and his readiness to face the incoming threat.
• The "Three Sage Staff" and the Heavenly Path Alliance disciple: Their confrontation highlights the power struggle between different factions in the martial world and the intervention of the Heavenly Path Alliance in Chen Ming's matter.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Zhinning, a Heavenly Path Alliance disciple, breaks through to the Third Rank to save Chen Ming from a black-clad expert.
• Chen Ming uses his experience points to reach the Fourth Rank, gaining the ability to perceive and dodge the black-clad expert's attacks.
• Su Zhinning and Chen Ming work together to defeat the black-clad expert, with Chen Ming delivering the final blow when the expert's guard is down.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming: Advances to the Fourth Rank, demonstrating his strategic thinking and opportunism by waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
• Su Zhinning: Breaks through to the Third Rank, showing her determination and selflessness in protecting Chen Ming, even at the risk of her own life.

Significant Themes

• Selflessness and Sacrifice: Su Zhinning's actions highlight her willingness to put Chen Ming's safety above her own, even in the face of serious injury and death.
• Opportunity and Timing: Chen Ming's victory is a result of seizing the perfect moment to strike, emphasizing the importance of patience and timing in combat.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming and Su Zhinning: Their combined efforts result in victory, demonstrating their ability to work together and trust each other in critical situations.
• Chen Ming and the Black-clad Expert: Chen Ming's strategic thinking and opportunism allow him to outmaneuver the expert, leading to the expert's eventual defeat and death.

Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming finds Su Zhinning injured and brings her back to his residence.
• Old Sun reveals that Chen Ming can save Su Zhinning using his Profound Wood qi.
• Huo Qianqian returns to the Xiao River Sect and is lectured by Martial Aunt Ye.
• Qin Changyuan sends another assassin after Chen Ming, unaware that Dong Kun was killed by Chen Ming himself.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming shows his determination and resolve to save Su Zhinning, even pushing his cultivation to its limits.
• Su Zhinning reveals her concern for Chen Ming's well-being, showing a softer side.
• Huo Qianqian understands the severity of the grudge between Chen Ming and the Qin Family.
• Qin Changyuan underestimates Chen Ming's abilities and sends another assassin.

Significant Themes

• The power of determination and perseverance, as shown by Chen Ming's resolve to save Su Zhinning.
• The consequences of underestimating one's opponent, as seen in Qin Changyuan's actions.
• The importance of understanding one's own limitations, as demonstrated by Su Zhinning's concern for Chen Ming's well-being.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming and Su Zhinning: Their interaction shows a growing bond, with Chen Ming caring for Su Zhinning and Su Zhinning showing concern for Chen Ming's well-being.
• Huo Qianqian and Martial Aunt Ye: Their interaction reveals the strict rules of the Xiao River Sect and Huo Qianqian's understanding of the grudge between Chen Ming and the Qin Family.
• Qin Changyuan and his coachman: Their interaction shows Qin Changyuan's underestimation of Chen Ming and his decision to send another assassin.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Jade Begonia, Chen Ming's former master, suffers a severe true qi deviation and is on the verge of death.
• Madam Yu, her aunt, brings her to Evergreen Hall, seeking Doctor Sun's help.
• Doctor Sun reveals that only someone with the same origin of true qi as Jade Begonia can save her, hinting at Chen Ming.
• Madam Yu subdues a Third Rank cultivator who was sent to kill Chen Ming and brings him to Evergreen Hall.

Character Developments

• Jade Begonia's condition worsens, showing her vulnerability despite her powerful cultivation.
• Madam Yu demonstrates her strength and determination to save her niece, even subduing a powerful cultivator.
• Chen Ming shows his ruthlessness in killing the subdued Third Rank cultivator, revealing his growth and change since the beginning of the story.

Significant Themes

• The theme of fate and destiny continues, with Jade Begonia's life now in Chen Ming's hands.
• The theme of power and its consequences is explored as Jade Begonia's actions in the past catch up with her.

Character Interactions

• Madam Yu and Chen Ming meet for the first time, with Madam Yu seeking Chen Ming's help to save Jade Begonia.
• Chen Ming's internal struggle is hinted at, as he has to choose between saving Jade Begonia or Su Zhinning, who is also on the brink of death.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming is protecting Su Zhinning, who is critically injured due to a forced breakthrough.
• Madam Yu arrives, learns of Chen Ming's relationship with Su Zhinning, and betroths her niece, Jade Begonia, to Chen Ming to ensure he saves both women.
• Chen Ming reveals he's at Fourth Rank, attributing his breakthrough to an epiphany while integrating two cultivation techniques.
• Qin Changyuan learns of Jade Begonia's betrothal and is devastated.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming: Shows loyalty and affection towards Su Zhinning, and maintains his composure despite Madam Yu's unexpected betrothal.
• Madam Yu: Demonstrates her determination to save her niece, using unconventional methods to ensure Chen Ming's cooperation.
• Jade Begonia: Initially resistant to the betrothal, she later accepts it and shows concern for Chen Ming's cultivation progress.
• Qin Changyuan: Becomes increasingly desperate and reckless in his pursuit of Jade Begonia.

Significant Themes

• Love and loyalty: Chen Ming's devotion to Su Zhinning, and Qin Changyuan's obsessive pursuit of Jade Begonia.
• Power dynamics: Madam Yu's use of her niece's life to manipulate Chen Ming into saving both women.
• Cultivation challenges: The difficulty of integrating different cultivation techniques and the slow progress at higher ranks.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming and Su Zhinning: Chen Ming protects and cares for Su Zhinning, while she relies on him for survival.
• Chen Ming and Jade Begonia: They interact cautiously, with Jade Begonia warning Chen Ming not to take the betrothal seriously and Chen Ming reassuring her of his intentions.
• Madam Yu and Chen Ming: Madam Yu manipulates Chen Ming into saving her niece, while Chen Ming maintains his composure and agrees to her terms.
• Qin Changyuan and Jade Begonia: Qin Changyuan's obsession with Jade Begonia leads him to desperation when he learns of her betrothal.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Xiyan, confined by her master, practices swordsmanship daily due to her unrequited love for Qin Changyuan, who is now engaged to Jade Begonia.
• Chen Ming receives visitors—Feng Siyuan, Zhou Weihao, and Gu Yuantao—who tell him about the rumor of the Tomb of Immortality and Shang Jianfei's possible whereabouts.
• Chen Ming decides to return to Qingfeng City, taking Su Zhinning and Jade Begonia with him, despite Madam Yu's attempts to dissuade him.

Character Developments

• Zhao Xiyan: Struggles with unrequited love, practices swordsmanship relentlessly.
• Chen Ming: Shows concern for his family's safety, demonstrates resolve in protecting them.
• Jade Begonia: Shows signs of recovery, displays anger at Chen Ming's decision to take her to Qingfeng City.

Significant Themes

• Unrequited love and its consequences (Zhao Xiyan's story)
• Power dynamics and manipulation (Madam Yu's attempts to control Chen Ming)
• Family and responsibility (Chen Ming's decision to return to Qingfeng City)

Character Interactions

• Zhao Xiyan and Pan Dingren: Pan Dingren tries to console Zhao Xiyan, but she remains determined in her feelings for Qin Changyuan.
• Chen Ming and Madam Yu: Madam Yu attempts to control Chen Ming's actions, but he stands his ground and decides to return to Qingfeng City.
• Chen Ming and Jade Begonia: Jade Begonia expresses curiosity about Chen Ming's family, hinting at her growing interest in him.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Heavy snowfall brings various jianghu travelers to an inn in Wang Family Town.
• A group of jianghu men demand rooms, leading to a tense standoff.
• He Yanwen, a Fourth Rank expert from the He Family of Gu County, intervenes and injures the men.
• A middle-aged merchant identifies the men as the "Four Fiends of Lingdong" and decapitates them, taking their heads and leaving.
• Six Doors constables arrive, and a drunken man, later revealed to be Jiang Shihua, insults Chen Ming, leading to a confrontation with Zhuang Xiaotian, the Azure Envoy.
• Zhuang Xiaotian is injured, but a mysterious swordsman outside saves him and wounds Jiang Shihua.

Character Developments

• Zhuang Xiaotian: Shows loyalty to his friend Chen Ming, standing up for him despite the danger.
• Jiang Shihua: Revealed to be a powerful and arrogant figure, he underestimates his opponents and suffers consequences.
• Fang'er: Witnesses the brutal side of the jianghu, learning about the "Four Fiends of Lingdong" and the concept of "snatching heads."

Significant Themes

• Power Dynamics: The strength of one's cultivation and background greatly influences one's status and treatment in the jianghu.
• Loyalty and Friendship: Zhuang Xiaotian's loyalty to Chen Ming is a central theme, showing the importance of friendships in the jianghu.
• Consequences of Arrogance: Jiang Shihua's overconfidence and disregard for others lead to his injury.

Character Interactions

• Zhuang Xiaotian vs. Jiang Shihua: Zhuang Xiaotian's loyalty to Chen Ming leads to a conflict with Jiang Shihua, who underestimates him.
• Fang'er and her grandfather: The grandfather-granddaughter duo observe the events unfolding, with Fang'er learning about the harsh realities of the jianghu.
• Mysterious Swordsman: The unknown swordsman outside the inn saves Zhuang Xiaotian, suggesting a hidden power at play.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Ming's name is revealed to be the Seventh Young Master of the Jiang Family, causing hatred between him and Chen Ming.
• Zhuang Xiaotian reveals that Chen Ming has risen to the Fifth Rank in four years, causing disbelief.
• Chen Ming is revealed to have a First Rank expert, Old Devil Yang from the Azure Moon Sect, by his side.
• Princess Mingyu's death is revealed to be a murder case, and Zhuang Xiaotian is investigating it.

Character Developments

• Chen Ming: Shows humility and lack of desire for power, preferring to be a loner.
• Jade Begonia: Reveals that she values Old Sun greatly and knows about Chen Ming's Stellar Qi.
• Zhuang Xiaotian: Shows loyalty and admiration for Chen Ming, willing to stand up for him.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between the Six Doors and the aristocratic families.
• The value of loyalty and friendship.
• The pursuit of power and status.

Character Interactions

• Chen Ming and Zhuang Xiaotian: Display a friendly and honest relationship, with Zhuang Xiaotian showing admiration for Chen Ming.
• Chen Ming and Jade Begonia: Show a playful and teasing dynamic, with Jade Begonia trying to extract secrets from Chen Ming.
• Jiang Shihua and Chen Ming: Show a deep-seated hatred due to Jiang Shihua's belief that Chen Ming stole his bride.